To anyone out there wondering if they should persevere with running I would say - YES!! YES!!
I don’t often post but today I want to tell the whole world that I’ve run 🏃♀️ my furthest. I ran for 40 minutes and covered over 5k!!
I’ve had many days/runs when I feel like I am definitely not a runner. I finished the c25k programme back in May but after 3 runs of 30 minutes (back in May) I could never get back to 30 mins non stop. For quite a long time the not being able to run non stop again for 30 minutes got inside my head and so I was on the back foot mentally before I’d even set out for a run. I dugged deep and plugged away. For some time I reconciled myself with exercise how ever it was happening was good 👍 and more recently decided I’m probably a run/Walker type of running 🏃♀️ and again, I’m ok with that - hence today’s run was 5 x 8 minute run segments with some walking i between each run session.
Today’s run has lifted my mood and confidence in running 🏃♀️ x
Written by
Health2020
Graduate
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That was such an inspiring read. Thank you for sharing. It shows there isn’t a one size fits all, and that we can all find our own groove if we open our minds. It’s lovely to hear that it’s helped lift your confidence and mood too. May it continue.
I hope so. When I have a good run I think I can take on the world and that I have fun the thing I was made to do but when I have a bad run I doubt why I ever think I would imagine I can run. 🤞
I know exactly how you feel. As sometimes I feel the same way.. but inside (past my mind) I want to keep going ❤️ Thanks for sharing !! It encourages me
I could have written this about me ! I only occasionally run for 40 mins , usually managing 35 , and I believe it's in my head .I'm chuffed I'm out there alternate days , but for me , 5 km is still a bit away .I too am demoralised if I run slowly , or get the frosty looks from the 'real ' runners , but I'm still out there .Reading this has made my day ! Now where is that chest torch 🔦 as it won't be light here for a couple of hours yet!
Don't be demoralised by the 'real' runners! You are a real runner! Google "run slower to run faster" or "80 20 running" or "Maffetone method" or ideally all three. I started Maffetone (MAF) running nearly 2 months ago and it's amazing. It's all about running at a low heart rate and walking if needed to bring it back down to your MAF heart rate. Slowly but surely I am finding that my pace is increasing but my heart rate stays low. I highly recommend it and wish I'd known about it when I did C25K nearly 2 years ago.
Caroldavies071969 has beaten me to it. I echo her reply, please don’t be demoralised, the main point of my post was to say I’ve struggled and battled the voices in my head but I’ve (hopefully) found my groove!! X
Thank you , I ran for 35 mins , but the powersaving on my phone didn't log the stats .I don't need sympathy, but I am visually impaired and when I'm feeling positive, I can be my own cheer leader .When I'm not , I think I must look ridiculous joggling along lol .But I loved your post!
Well done on your run. I hate it when the phone pauses and it doesn’t record it. Normally it’s me trying to work it whilst out and about as I normally leave my glasses at home whilst out running. We are always here to be your cheerleaders if you have a bad day or even on a good day.
Ahhh, i'm glad i'm not the only one, who leaves their glasses at home! 🤣I can get the app, strava, and nrc, started, but if i get a phone call, well thats me done! 🤣
Thanks for posting Health2020, congratulations on your 5k achievement!I graduated in the summer as well and haven't yet got to 5k, so it's great to hear your story. Wishing you continued happy running!
What an inspiring post. I have done three runs since graduating, struggling with them all and only managed one 30 minutes one. Was really considering that I should find some other aerobic exercise than jogging. It’s really foggy this morning but I’ve got my running gear on so I’ll try again today. Thank you.
Thank you. Hope your run went well. When Ive thought about giving up I remind myself of the feeling I get once I’ve finished my run (“the runners’ high“) and occasionally that’s all I need to go out for another run. Sometimes I think no matter if I haven’t achieved and got to where I might want to be in my progress, I remind myself that I’m not where I was (struggling at the 1 minute segments) and those thoughts can sometimes inspire me to keep going I.e. not wanting to loose the fitness I’ve got. 😊
Thanks for your reply. Very slow but I went back and played the last couch to 5k run just to have Sarah Millican’s encouragement. Another 30 minutes under my belt and 4K!! We’ll get further slowly but surely. Have a good weekend
Nice one, well done. Yes, I think the title of c25k is misleading as I think when I started I assumed the programme got you to 5k. But your philosophy is spot on slowly but surely. The experts say each run gives you more miles under your legs. Have a good weekend.
You are obviously strong mentally to keep going and inspiring others!- well done you - be WELL PROUD of yourself. I aim to get where you are right now, and I'll keep your post in my head and take my time. 🐌
Thank you. The little picture of a snail 🐌 on your post made me laugh because I feel like a bit of a snail!! But nether the less a moving snail 🐌!! They say Rome wasn’t built in a day!! Good luck 😊
I'm mixing up different sorts of runs. I have run/walk intervals runs (like yours), simple continuous jogs (I did one yesterday), fast/slow intervals runs, short fast runs, etc. The variety stops it becoming boring.
There are many ways of continuing. It looks like you've found one that suits you.
Thank you. I beginning to think that as I try to extend my time that maybe I should mix up my routine with different sorts of runs because until yesterday all my runs ( 2 or 3 per week) were 4 x 8 mins. But I’m thinking now (if I can keep it up) I’m building on 5 x8 mins and increasing this (in time). I was thinking I might keep 1 run a week at 5 x 8 mins and then try 1 run maybe intervals and the 3rd run of the week a slow continuous run and see how far I can go (the dreaded in my mind) non-stop!! - but not worry or put any pressure on that run at all. Do you think that sounds ok?
Thank you. Now that I’m not on the official c25k programme I find it hard not having a programme that’s all worked out with the increments. I have looked at ju ju but without being able to run continuously (I know I sound like a broken record) I’m not sure about that programme. I have found run double and I’m just on the first week now with my 5 x 8mins (if I can keep it up) fingers crossed 🤞- that is my plan but my new mantra is to be happy with how ever much I manage to achieve
Variety is the spice of life, as they say!- I'm going to 'mix it up' a bit too, it stops one getting bored most definitely- the main thing is that we are all out there moving and doing something super positive. 🤸
Such a great post!. I maintain running by trying to remove all pressure, I set a minimum to run, usually 25 minutes. Quite recently I decided to go a lot slower, but further, and actually got back to 10km. Most of my runs are at a comfortable cardio pace now, but...I am running around 20-25 kms a week. You're doing this for you, no one else.
Thank you. I like all your ideas of not putting pressure on yourself, setting a minimum goal that’s achievable rather than a high goal, I might think of my running goals that way around in future. Well done on getting back to 10K!! You superstar ⭐️
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Over the moon, W5R3 completed! 
Post C25K and working up to actual 5K
My first 5k for over 30 years!! 
5K Build-up run - nearly PB? 
Another run and another PB. I am over the moon 
